PESTICIDE CONTAINER RECYCLING

Virginia’s Plastic Pesticide Container Recycling Program is a free service that provides a convenient and environmentally friendly way to dispose of properly rinsed plastic pesticide containers. The program is a cooperative effort among the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Cooperative Extension and local governments. The program is administered under national guidelines developed by the Ag Container Recycling Council.

Since its inception in 1993, this program has recycled over 1.8 million pounds of plastic pesticide containers. Containers are granulated by a contractor with assistance from VDACS and local personnel. Granulated chips are transported to recycling facilities and fabricated into items such as pallets, fence posts, field drain tiles and parking stops.

How to Start a Program

Citizens may contact their County Supervisor or Cooperative Extension Agent to request that their county or city participate in this program. Agricultural producers, licensed pesticide dealers, commercial application firms, golf courses and local governments interested in a recycling program should contact the Office of Pesticide Services for additional information.